Playing for Scale: The Future of Sports Investing

Summary

• The global media rights market grew 41% from 2020 to 2025, reaching $57.8 billion, with projections to hit $67 billion in 2026.
• Streaming services now account for approximately 20% of media rights growth.
• Private equity transactions in sports reached 192 in 2025, compared to 50 in 2018.
• The NFL became the last major league to allow institutional investment in 2024.
• The average cost of a new stadium is now $1.7 billion.
• Technology & AI are being used to personalize fan experiences, such as recognizing orders at seats & creating year-round sports ecosystems around venues.
• The WNBA Valkyries are valued at $850 million, while the Atlanta Dream is valued at $280 million.
• Permanent facilities are a key driver of valuation growth for women's sports teams.
• College football is the second-largest commercial sport in the US behind professional football.
• A landmark settlement allows college athletes to share directly in revenue through name, image, & likeness rights.
• The NFL played nine games in Europe during the 2026 season.
• Investors are exploring opportunities in international expansion, women's sports, & emerging leagues like Unrivaled, rugby, & flag football.
• Publicly traded teams & funds now offer broader access to sports investing for individual investors beyond traditional multi-hundred million dollar checks.